I have inserted my name in the title-page, contrary to my original intention, and at the suggestion of others; for I have no scientific reputation which will aid the publisher to sell a copy. Nor do I desire to acquire such reputation. It can never form any part of my "capital in life." Nor has it influenced me at all in preparing the work. I have aimed to fulfill a promise, too hastily given, perhaps--to put on record the observations I have made, and the inferences I have drawn from those of others--to induce and assist further observations, and, if possible, of a _general_ and _connected character_--and to impress those who may read what I have written with the belief, that _they will derive a degree of pleasure from a daily familiarity with, and intelligent understanding of, the "countenance of the sky," not exceeded by that which any other science can afford them_. I have examined, with entire freedom and fearlessness (but I trust in a manner which will not be deemed censurable or in bad taste) the theories and supposed erroneous views of others, for, in my judgment, the advancement of the science requires it. Says Sir George Harvey, in his able article on Meteorology, written for the Encyclopaedia Metropolitana: "It is humiliating to those who have been most occupied in cultivating the science of meteorology, to see an agriculturist or a waterman, who has neither instruments nor theory, foretell the future changes of the weather many days before they happen, with a precision which the philosopher, aided by all the resources of science, would be unable to attain." The admissions contained in this paragraph, in relation to the comparative uselessness of instruments and theories, and the value of practical observation, are both in a good measure true. And the time has come, or should speedily come, when "_pride of opinion_," and "_esprit du corps_," among theorists and philosophers, should neither be indulged in, nor respected; and when their theories should be freely discussed, and rigidly tested by the observations of practical men. Such measure, therefore, as I have meted, I invite in return. Let whatever I have advanced, that is new, or adopted that is old, be _as_ rigidly tested, and _as_ freely discussed. Let the errors, if there be any--and doubtless there are--be detected and exposed. Let the TRUTH be sought by all; and meteorology, as a PRACTICAL SCIENCE, advance to that full measure of perfection and usefulness, of which it is unquestionably susceptible. TABLE OF CONTENTS. PAGE CHAPTER I.